Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for fair wheat prices, affordable agricultural inputs and stronger livestock exports at the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the government to finalize and announce the wheat price after consultation with the provinces, emphasizing the need to ensure fair returns for farmers while keeping wheat affordable for consumers.

Chairing the first meeting of the National Agriculture and Food Security Council (NAFSC) in Islamabad on Tuesday, the prime minister said Pakistan had sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic requirements and warned that those involved in hoarding would receive no concessions, according to a Prime Minister’s Office press release.

Shehbaz stressed that the wheat price should be determined before sowing begins so farmers can receive appropriate compensation for their work. He said the government wanted to ensure that farmers received a fair price for their wheat while consumers continued to have access to affordable supplies.

The prime minister said a decision on wheat prices would be taken in consultation with the provinces and announced soon after the consultation process was completed.

Agriculture identified as key to economic growth

Describing agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, Shehbaz said the sector had the potential to put the country on a path to economic growth in the short term.

He said the federal government would extend all possible support to the provinces to promote agricultural development.

Providing farmers with affordable fertilizers, quality seeds, modern machinery and equipment and technical capabilities for more efficient water use was among the government’s top priorities, he said.

The prime minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce, particularly for small and medium-sized farmers.

Livestock and halal meat exports

Shehbaz highlighted the potential of the livestock sector to increase Pakistan’s exports and said the government was taking steps to expand exports of Pakistani halal meat.

He also acknowledged provincial initiatives aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods and strengthening agricultural production.

The prime minister praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s initiatives for farmers, including aquaculture, shrimp farming and direct subsidies through the Kisan Card.

He also commended the efforts of the Sindh government to promote farmers’ development and improve the facilities available to them.

Provinces brief council on agricultural initiatives

During the meeting, the Punjab chief minister and Sindh’s provincial food minister outlined measures being taken by their respective governments to support farmers and advance agricultural development.

Participants were also briefed on initiatives to promote agriculture in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sen. Mohammad Ishaq Dar; federal ministers Rana Tanveer Hussain, Dr. Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Hussain Magsi and Mian Moeen Wattoo; advisers Rana Sanaullah and Haroon Akhtar; Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif; Sindh Agriculture Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman; and relevant senior officials.

The council’s inaugural meeting focused on agricultural development, farmer support, wheat pricing, food security and expanding export opportunities.